Working with Tile (Taunton's Build Like a Pro)

Depending on your skill level, potentially a good book. For my first tile project (a bathroom floor + tub surround) I relied John Bridge's "Tile Your World," this book, and Michael Byrne's "Setting Tile"--roughly in that order of preference. I recommend all 3 as each has different valuable info. Books are cheap compared to your time & materials cost.This book has the advantage of great photos and it's modern, unlike Byrne's book or Bridge's first (older) book. However, it definitely lacks key pieces of information and is quite sparse. You need to read, and reread, each section several times because the text is not written in a linear, step-by-step format. (Where was the editor?) I think it's more of an overview with ideas about design, tools, etc. than a clear "how-to" which the Bridge and Byrne books are. Numerous high quality color photos which are helpful for design and for learning some layout tricks.Things I dislike: (1) minimal discussion of key things like how to mix thinset, the tub-to-tile junction in a tile surround, etc. I'm sure there would be more if I had advanced beyond floors and tub surrounds. (2) They should retitle it "Spend Like a Pro." Rather than tell a DIY-er what's essential vs. what can be done with basic tools, Meehan assumes that as needed you will drop $2000 on a Gemini Revolution saw, buy a DeWalt mitering wet saw ($1000), buy only Stabila levels ($$$), buy top-of-the-line laser leveling tools, buy a $60 A-square, use only Ditra, etc. These are great (and I do use Ditra too) but there are certainly cheaper ways to avoid. If this is your only resource, you'd never know about alternatives.Do yourself a favor and buy this book but get the newer Bridge book and the Byrne book too. Also discover the tile forums on the web.

Echoing the sentiment by other reviewers here, this book lacks a lot of the basics that are needed to complete your first tiling projects. The book reads like a collection of articles on moderate to advanced topics on tile. Might be good to fill in a library if you're planning something complex but for me I had to go out and buy the Stanley book on tiling, which was much more clear.

As an avid do it yourselfer, I occasionally come across tile projects. Easy enough to find materials at local stores, but a bit more of a challenge to find suitable instruction. This book has it all, written in very clear style. Nice photos, and address use of tile in virtually any situation. Indeed this book provides the basis for my project of tiling the range hood surround. Especially helpful are the comments about use of glass tiles. Enjoy and good luck with your projects.

This book could easily have garnered a 5 star review if it didn't skimp in some key areas:1) I would have liked to see more details, tips, tricks and illustrations on layout. Such an important subject probably deserves a dedicated chapter.2) I would have liked to see more details on common substrates. I understand the author likes to use ditra and its companion products but 90% of us doing projects at home are going to be limited to stuff that you get at the local tile store or hardware store (like backer board). Any complete reference should cover all of the options and methods in detail, not just the authors current favorites.

Tiling is not a new DIY project for me, so I was looking for a book to instruct me on the finer techniques, materials, and tools for all types of tiling jobs. This book was just the ticket! The Meehan's have a authored a first-rate publication complete with a variety of projects, trade tips, cautions, tool advice, and options for further research. Oh, and lots of great pictures too! I learned much that I can't wait to apply in my next project. This book has also inspired me to dream of potential projects that have only been subcontracted possibilities to-date. If you have never laid a tile or just need a nudge to greater skill levels, this How-To book is a must-read!

I've been looking for a book to recommend to my clients who want to do their own tile work and thought this was the one. It does contain a lot of good advice on layout, preparation and installation but, the pictures and the quality of work presented are just okay. I'm not going to recommend this version but hopefully they'll have a new version with better quality finish work presented.

A great beginner's book on methods and materials. Explanations are simple but lacking if you wantmore detailed instructions. Styles change so quickly that the finished room pictures are somewhatdated.

I've done a few very minor tile projects and I'm ready to tackle a fireplace surround and hearth. The author talks in plain english, there are a lot of pictures to help you understand things better. Good read.

Liked this book very helpful